The Mehdia Landings

The Northern Attack Group was under the command of Adm. Monroe Kelly and the landing troops under the command of Brig. Gen. Lucian K. Truscott, Jr. Soon after midnight on the morning of 8 November the landing craft opposite Mehdia were loaded with troops. The assault was organized in waves, the first one to go in behind three escort vessels, those following to depart at 10-minute intervals. Because of considerable confusion in the darkness the first wave did not reach shore until 0515, one and one-half hours late. Landings were made at five points above and below thee mouth of the Sebou River. The central wave, at the mouth of the river, was the only one which met opposition. Batteries which opened fire on the assault were answered by naval fire. At daylight six planes were launched by the fleet for spotting and naval patrol Soon afterward, two French Dewoitines attacked the ships without result, and 10 others went up to strafe the landing parties.

Broadcasts to the French authorities and to the people of Northwest Africa failed to lessen the resistance, so the landing parties pressed the attack and established themselves well inland. Early the next morning the French started a counterattack. There were exchanges between the shore batteries and the ships, and the fire of the latter broke up a French tank attack. About 1430 General Cannon arrived in a naval plane and went into conference with Admiral Kelly.

On the 10th the Dallas ran up the Sebou River and landed Rangers at the airdrome, which was soon in use by naval planes. Meanwhile, instructed by spotting planes, the naval vessels shelled the French columns and sent out planes to strafe and bomb. American troops stormed the fort on the south bank of the rive, supported by dive bombers. Reconnaissance showed that there were no more forces to continue the resistance, and at 0400 on 11 November the order was issued to cease firing.